Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-07-07-Speech-4-188"
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"en.20050707.28.4-188"2
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".
Mr President, I wish to begin by expressing, as a British MEP, my deep sorrow at the news of the explosions in London. While a clear picture has yet to emerge, it certainly has all the trappings of a coordinated terrorist attack. Yet again we are reminded of the fragility of our world order and the need to work together to eradicate such barbaric, mindless acts.
Freedom and democracy are the fundamental tenets of the Union. Just as we continue to espouse these principles within the Union, we need to translate this commitment into tangible actions against regimes that are diametrically opposed to such freedoms. That is why I am lending my wholehearted support to the resolution on Zimbabwe.
It is not sufficient for the international community to indulge in the occasional ritual condemnation of President Mugabe; rather, we need to see a strong and viable opposition to him. If we are truly proponents of a free society, then how can we continue to stand by and allow this dictatorial oppression to continue unabated? Why, as a Union, have we not levied increased pressure against the regime? Why have we not tightened and enforced sanctions? Why has the Council refused to respond to Parliament’s consistent calls in this respect?
Furthermore, it is a great disappointment that South Africa and a number of Zimbabwe’s other neighbours have chosen not to intervene in the plight of the Zimbabwean people. We have witnessed the entire resources of a once wealthy state enslaved. We have seen their people denied their intrinsic human rights, and yet this oppression and destruction has elicited little response from their neighbours. I would suggest to President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa that his choice not to criticise President Mugabe is a very disturbing indictment on his views of what constitutes a fair, free and open society.
At a time when the international community is galvanised to address the endemic problems that Africa faces, it is only appropriate that we look beyond poverty relief to the maintenance of good governance, transparency, the rule of law and respect for human rights for all African countries. I therefore call upon this Parliament to support this resolution wholeheartedly."@en1
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